India vs Maldives preview, team news, lineup & prediction | SAFF U19 Championship 2025 Semifinal

The Blue Colts are only one win away from the SAFF U19 Championship Final.

The India U19 national team will be looking to continue their winning momentum in the SAFF U19 Championship 2025 campaign when they face the Maldives U19 national team on May 16 at the Golden Jubilee Stadium.

The game set to take place on Friday in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, presents an exciting game between two teams who play a contrasting brand of football.

India U19, led by Bibiano Fernandes, will be looking to defend their crown with players like Danny Meitei, Rohen Singh, and Omang Dodum in their ranks.

Maldives U19, led by Ahmed Shakir, will be looking to reclaim their crown with players like Aidh Mohamed Jaweez, Ashham Ibrahim Mohamed, and Anoof Abdulla in their ranks.

The Stakes

India

India will be the favourites when they take the field in their semifinal match against the Maldives on Friday. While they are expected to field a significantly stronger side with quality bench depth at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, a ground where they will enjoy home advantage with many supporters.

The Blue Colts are also reportedly looking sharp ahead of the game following their 4-0 win over Nepal in their first group match. They will face an underdog Red Snappers side, who are struggling to win games over the 90 minutes.

Maldives

The Red Snappers will be looking to make it hard for the Blue Colts in their semifinal encounter on May 16. They have drawn both their group games in the SAFF U19 Championship and despite being winless, they managed to qualify into the next round.

While it’s been a concerning campaign in total for the Maldives, they will be facing an uphill battle against India on Friday. They will be hoping to spring a surprise result on the host as they battle it out for a place in the Final.

ALSO READ: Exclusive: India U19 star Danny Meitei talks SAFF U19 Championship, Bibiano Fernandes, family support & more

Team and Injury News

The Blue Colts are expected to have a fully fit squad ahead of the game. The Red Snappers are also expected to have a fully fit squad ahead of the game.

Head-to-Head Record:

Total Matches Played: 1

India wins: 1

Maldives wins: 0

Draws: 0

Squads:

India confirmed squad for SAFF U19 Championship 2025

Goalkeepers: Aarush Hari, Aheibam Suraj Singh, Alsabith Sulaiman Thekkekaramel, Rohit.

Defenders: Ashik Adhikari, Takhellambam Bungson Singh, Jodric Abranches, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Mohammed Kaif, Mukul Panwar, Nirbhay Singh, Pramveer, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum, Thoungamba Usham Singh, Vumlenlal Hangshing, Sohum Utreja, Roshan Singh Thangjam, Karish Soram.

Midfielders: Ahongshangbam Samson, Danny Meitei Laishram, Gurnaj Singh Grewal, Levis Zangminlun, Md Arbash, Ngamgouhou Mate, Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh, Chaphamayum Rohen Singh, Singamayum Shami, Yohaan Benjamin, Lalruatfela.

Forwards: Bharat Lairenjam, Daniyal Makakmayum, Omang Dodum, Prashan Jajo, Vishal Yadav, Hemneichung Lunkim.

Maldives confirmed squad for the SAFF U19 Championship 2025

Goalkeepers: Xahran Hassan Ziyad, Hussain Nihaal Mohamed,

Defenders: N/A

Midfielders: Ahmed Athoof Rasheed, Mohamed Ravaau, Eydhan Ahmed Moosa, Mohamed Izaan Ali, Ahmed Hamees Areef, Ashham Ibrahim Mohamed, Aidh Mohamed Jaweez, Ethan Ibrahim Zaki, Nassah Ibrahim Nasir, Hassan Haishan Hamid, Ahmed Mikyal Mueen, Ahmed Hamdhaan Azleen, Alson Ibrahim, Mohamed Yais, Mohamed Laamih Imthiyaz, Shahudhaan Abdul Ghani, Naail Yoosuf, Yoosuf Ayaan Amir

Forwards: Azham Rasheed, Anoof Abdulla, Mohamed Shamhaan

Players to Watch

Danny Meitei (India U19)

India U19 will once again rely on the special talent of Danny Meitei for the upcoming SAFF U19 championship semifinal on Friday against the Maldives. The North East United FC youngster has already made his debut in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the age of 17 and will be raring to help his national team retain their SAFF U-19 Championship title.

He was in top form against Nepal in their final Group B encounter as he scored his fourth goal of the tournament in two games. Meitei will again be a player to watch out for the Maldives’ defenders on Friday.

Azham Rasheed (Maldives U19)

The Red Snappers will be looking for some inspiration from their team captain Azham Rasheed ahead of their upcoming semifinal encounter. Rasheed will be a player who can cause problems for Bibiano Fernandes’ side in arguably the biggest game of their tournament.

He will be the player that the Blue Colts will keep an eye on ahead of a crucial game in their pursuit of repeating as SAFF U19 champions in 2025.

Telecast Details:

The match between India U19 and Maldives U19 will take place at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia, on Friday, May 16, 2025. It will kick off at 7:30 PM IST. The match will be streamed live on Sportzworkz’s YouTube channel.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.